With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views, riding your bike offers an excellent opportunity to experience the Florida Keys. The Keys offer plenty of trails to view its natural mangroves and wildlife. Or you can cruise around Key West by bike to visit such sightseeing spots as Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, or Duval Street.
You don’t expect to get hit by a car when cruising on your bike through the Florida Keys. But accidents can happen when cars and bikes share the road. Since cyclists have no protection in a crash, they can suffer painful and debilitating injuries that may require significant medical care and time to recover from. Even if the accident seems relatively minor, a bike rider could be badly hurt if they fall off their bike.
If you or someone in your family was severely hurt in a bike crash, speaking to a best Florida Keys bicycle accident lawyer can be helpful. When you are severely injured in a Key West bike crash because of someone else’s negligence, you might be compensated for your medical treatment and lost wages. You can explore your legal rights when severely hurt in a Florida Keys bike crash by calling Wolfson & Leon today at 305-285-1115.
Biking Accident Statistics in Monroe CountyThe Florida Keys are a small string of islands located at the tip of the state. Marathon, Key Largo, and Key West are popular tourist destinations. Located in Monroe County, the Florida Keys are known for their natural wildlife, tropical palms, and spectacular sunsets.
Monroe County saw 84 bicycle crashes in 2022. Sadly, over 95% of these crashes resulted in injury or fatality. Of the ten traffic fatalities in 2022, 20% occurred in bicycle crashes.
Why Do Bike Accidents Happen in the Florida Keys?Bikes are a common sight on the streets of the Florida Keys. Yet despite its bike-friendly roads and atmosphere, cycling accidents are bound to happen.
Careless driving is among the most common causes of bike accidents in the Florida Keys. When drivers don’t adhere to the rules of the road, they could collide with a bicycle. Speeding, running through red lights, or erratic lane switches could cause a bicycle crash. Other careless driving habits could lead to a bicycle accident, such as driving too close to a cyclist on the road, swerving into the bike lane, or failing to yield to a bike in the crosswalk.
A driver can also cause a bicycle accident when they change directions. When a driver makes a left turn, they could hit a bicycle in its path if they misjudge how fast the cyclist travels. Or the driver may cut off or hit a bike rider if they don’t see them when turning.
Similarly, a bike accident can happen when a driver makes a right-hand turn across the path of a cyclist or bike lane. When a driver doesn’t yield to a cyclist in the right lane next to them, the rider could hit the turning vehicle if it blocks their path.
Despite its laid-back lifestyle, Key West is popular for its bars and restaurants. A driver could cause a serious or fatal bicycle crash if they get behind the wheel while impaired.
Negligence in a Florida Keys bike crash isn’t limited to just drivers. Many times, people rent bicycles when visiting the Keys. The rental company or bike manufacturer could be responsible if defective bike parts or poor maintenance caused the bicycle accident.
If negligence caused a Florida Keys bike crash and you were seriously hurt, take steps to understand your legal rights. You can speak with a best Florida Keys bike accident lawyer today when you call 305-285-1115 for your free case consultation.
Why Should I Call a Florida Keys Bicycle Accident Law Firm?A bicycle accident can leave cyclists with devastating injuries. If you were hit by a moving vehicle, you could suffer from damage to vital organs, internal bleeding, broken bones, painful road burns, or severe head trauma. You may need immediate medical care, surgery, hospitalization, and physical rehabilitation to recover from a serious Florida Keys biking crash.
A serious bicycle accident can destroy your finances. The medical treatment you need can be expensive. If you cannot go back to work because you are hurt, you may have a tough time paying rent or buying groceries. Pursuing your legal options may be necessary, especially if your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligent behavior.
If you were severely injured in a Florida Keys bike accident, we encourage you to contact Wolfson & Leon today for a free case consultation. Since 1963, our Florida Keys accident attorneys have defended people gravely hurt in bicycle and other accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. We understand the extreme pain and financial pressure accident victims face and are here to help. If you have questions or just want to know what your legal options are, contact Wolfson & Leon today at 305-285-1115.